Man sentenced for killing his ex-partner

A 50-year-old man has today (14 September) been sentenced at Stafford Crown Court to 15 years imprisonment, with an extended sentence, for the manslaughter of his ex-partner.

Rickardo Wilson had been in a relationship with Claire Harris, however, due her suffering domestic abuse at the hands of the defendant, she had temporarily moved out of the home they shared in Netherton, Dudley.

On 23 January this year, Wilson attacked the 44-year-old victim at the house after she agreed to meet him for dinner.

The victim’s family became concerned for her welfare when she failed to return home and they visited the defendant’s home. He initially claimed that Ms Harris was not there, however, they spotted her body on the floor and called the police.

David Rouse from the CPS said: “Claire Harris wanted to end her abusive and violent relationship with Rickardo Wilson, and she did manage to leave him, but he convinced her to meet him for dinner at his home.

“During the evening they had an argument and the defendant brutally attacked and killed her. When concerned family members visited his house, Wilson tried to hide what he had done, but they saw the victim’s body and alerted the police.

“Wilson tried to claim that he acted in self-defence, but he was found guilty of the killing of his ex-partner after a trial in July. He will now have to deal with the consequences of his actions.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ms Harris.”

Notes to editors

David Rouse is a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS West Midlands

Rickardo Wilson DOB is 15.11.1967

CPS News Centre

Find out what's new at the Crown Prosecution Service's digital News Centre.